Which broker is better for China traders in 2026? Expert analysis across 12 categories.
For Chinese traders looking to access international forex and CFD markets, choosing the right offshore broker is critical. FBS and Global Prime are two popular choices, each with distinct strengths tailored to different trading styles. FBS, with a score of 3.7/5, is known for its low minimum deposit, high leverage (up to 1:3000), and support for USDT deposits, making it accessible for retail traders in China. Global Prime, scoring 3.6/5, focuses on institutional-grade execution, low spreads, and a regulated ECN environment. Both brokers accept clients from China and allow deposits via USDT and international bank transfers, but they differ in cost structures, platforms, and regulatory oversight. Since neither is regulated by the CSRC, traders must conduct due diligence and consider their risk tolerance. This comparison will help you decide which broker aligns with your offshore trading goals in 2025.
| Instrument | FBS | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| EUR/USD avg spread | 0.09 pips + $3.5/lot | 0.0 pips + $3.5/lot | Global Prime |
| XAU/USD (Gold) | $0.14 typical | $0.12 typical | Global Prime |
| GBP/USD avg spread | 0.29 pips | 0.23 pips | Global Prime |
| Standard acc spread | from 1.0 pips | from 0.8 pips | Global Prime |
| ECN commission | $3.5/lot/side | $3.5/lot/side | Tie |
| Min deposit | $5 | $0 | Global Prime |
When comparing trading costs for China traders, Global Prime offers lower spreads on major pairs like EUR/USD (from 0.0 pips with a $7 round-turn commission per lot), ideal for high-volume scalpers. FBS has variable spreads starting from 0.5 pips on its ECN account and 1.0 pips on standard accounts, with no commission. For traders using USDT deposits, both brokers charge negligible conversion fees, but FBS has a slight edge with lower minimum volume requirements. Over 100 lots per month, Global Prime saves approximately $200 in spread costs compared to FBS, making it more cost-effective for active traders.
| Account Type | FBS | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Standard account | ✓ | ✓ |
| ECN / Raw spread | ✓ | ✓ |
| Islamic (swap-free) | ✓ | ✗ |
| Demo account | ✓ | ✓ |
| PAMM / MAM account | ✗ | ✗ |
| Zero spread account | ✗ | ✓ |
| Copy trading | ✗ | ✗ |
| Min deposit | $5 | $0 |
| Entity / Asset | FBS | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| China (offshore) | Up to 1:3000 | Up to 1:500 |
| Forex major pairs | 1:3000 | 1:500 |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | 1:200 | 1:200 |
| Indices | 1:100 | 1:100 |
| Cryptocurrencies | 1:2 to 1:10 | 1:2 to 1:10 |
| Asset Class | FBS | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Forex pairs | 90+ | 65+ | FBS |
| Gold (XAU/USD) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Oil (WTI/Brent) | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Stock indices | 25+ indices | ✗ | FBS |
| Crypto CFDs | 30+ | ✗ | FBS |
| Stocks / Share CFDs | ✗ | ✗ | Global Prime |
| ETFs | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Platform | FBS | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| MetaTrader 4 (MT4) | ✓ | ✓ |
| MetaTrader 5 (MT5) | ✓ | ✗ |
| cTrader | ✗ | ✗ |
| TradingView | ✗ | ✗ |
| Expert Advisors (EAs) | ✓ | ✓ |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hedging allowed | ✓ | ✓ |
Both brokers support MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5, the gold standard for Chinese traders seeking advanced charting and automated trading via Expert Advisors (EAs). FBS also offers its proprietary FBS Trader app for mobile trading, while Global Prime provides cTrader for those who prefer a modern interface with depth-of-market (DOM) view. For China traders, MT4/MT5 are widely used, and both brokers ensure stable connectivity via servers in Hong Kong and Singapore, reducing latency. FBS has a slight edge with more platform choices, but Global Prime's cTrader appeals to ECN traders.
| Factor | FBS | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Execution model | ECN/STP | True ECN | Global Prime |
| Avg execution speed | ~30ms | ~40ms | FBS |
| Slippage | Very low | Very low | Tie |
| Requotes | Very rare | Very rare | Tie |
| Scalping allowed | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| EA / Bot trading | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
Global Prime excels in execution quality with an ECN model that offers direct market access and average execution speeds of under 40ms, ideal for scalpers in China. FBS uses a hybrid model with dealing desk execution on standard accounts and ECN on its ECN account, but speeds can be slower during volatile markets. For high-frequency traders, Global Prime's no-re-quote policy and low latency are superior. FBS is adequate for most retail traders but may experience slippage on news events.
| Safety Factor | FBS | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Primary regulator | IFSC | ASIC |
| Top-tier regulated | ✗ | ✓ |
| Investor protection | ✓ | ✗ |
| Segregated funds | ✓ | ✓ |
| Neg. balance protection | ✓ | ✓ |
Regulation is a key concern for China traders since neither FBS nor Global Prime is regulated by the CSRC. FBS is regulated by the International Financial Services Commission (IFSC) of Belize, a tier-3 regulator with limited investor protection. Global Prime is regulated by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and the Vanuatu Financial Services Commission (VFSC), offering higher oversight and negative balance protection. For Chinese traders, Global Prime's ASIC regulation provides more confidence, though both operate offshore. Trading with unregulated brokers carries risks, so use only risk capital.
| Payment Method | FBS | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Wire Transfer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Visa / Mastercard | ✓ | ✓ |
| Skrill | ✓ | ✗ |
| Neteller | ✓ | ✗ |
| USDT / Crypto | ✓ | ✓ |
| Withdrawal time | Electronic Wallets / Systems: Credited immediately to 30 minutes (processed 24/7 by the financial department).Cryptocurrency: Instant, though subject to blockchain network confirmations.Credit / Debit Cards: Average of 3 to 4 business days (internal processing takes 15–20 minutes, plus bank clearance).Bank Transfers: Usually processed within 7 to 10 business days. | Global Prime processes withdrawals instantly on their end, but the time to receive your funds depends on your payment method: bank wire transfers take 1 to 5 business days, credit or debit cards take 1 to 10 days, and e-wallets are instant once completed. |
Depositing and withdrawing funds is straightforward for China traders with both brokers. FBS supports USDT (TRC20/ERC20) with zero deposit fees and a minimum of $1, plus international bank transfers (SWIFT) with a $50 minimum. Global Prime also accepts USDT and bank transfers, but with a $200 minimum deposit. Withdrawals are processed within 24 hours for FBS and 1-2 business days for Global Prime. FBS offers more flexibility with local e-wallets like Perfect Money, while Global Prime focuses on secure bank wires. Both brokers do not charge deposit fees, but bank transfers may incur intermediary charges. For frequent traders, USDT is the fastest and cheapest option.
| Islamic Account Feature | FBS | Global Prime |
|---|---|---|
| Swap-free available | ✓ | ✗ |
| Admin fee instead of swap | On some instruments | On some instruments |
| MT4 / MT5 supported | ✓ | ✓ |
| How to apply | Contact support | Contact support |
Both FBS and Global Prime offer Islamic (swap-free) accounts for Muslim traders in China who comply with Sharia law. FBS provides Islamic accounts on all account types without additional fees, while Global Prime offers them on request for standard accounts with a 30-day swap-free period, after which administrative fees may apply. FBS is more accommodating for long-term swap-free trading, while Global Prime is suitable for shorter-term strategies. Chinese Muslim traders should confirm terms with support before opening an account.
| Support Feature | FBS | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Live chat | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Phone support | ✗ | ✓ | Tie |
| Email support | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| 24/7 support | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Response time (chat) | <2 minutes | <3 minutes | FBS |
Customer support for China traders is available 24/7 via live chat, email, and phone for both brokers. FBS offers support in Chinese (Mandarin) through its website and dedicated phone line, while Global Prime provides English-only support with live chat. FBS has a slight advantage for Chinese-speaking traders, but Global Prime's response times are faster (under 2 minutes). Both brokers have comprehensive FAQ sections covering deposit methods like USDT and bank transfers.
| Mobile Feature | FBS | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| iOS App Store rating | 4.5 stars | 4.3 stars | FBS |
| Google Play rating | 4.3 stars | 4.2 stars | FBS |
| Biometric login | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Push notifications | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| Full charting on mobile | ✓ | ✓ | Tie |
| TradingView mobile | ✗ | ✗ | Tie |
| Resource | FBS | Global Prime | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Video tutorials | 100+ videos | ✗ | FBS |
| Webinars (live) | Weekly | ✗ | FBS |
| Economic calendar | ✓ | ✗ | Tie |
| Market analysis | Daily | Basic | FBS |
Choose FBS if you...
Choose Global Prime if you...
For China traders seeking offshore forex access, both FBS and Global Prime are viable options, but the choice depends on your trading style. FBS scores slightly higher overall (3.7 vs 3.6) due to its low entry barrier, high leverage, and support for USDT deposits with zero minimums. It is ideal for retail traders starting with small capital. Global Prime is better for serious traders who prioritize low costs, fast execution, and regulatory oversight from ASIC. Given that neither is CSRC-regulated, traders must be cautious and use only risk capital. If you are a beginner or want flexibility with deposits, choose FBS. If you are an experienced trader focused on cost efficiency and execution, Global Prime is the winner.